No worries Dave, I've got you covered. I've added two extra brake lights on mine - one on the license plate surround, and one hidden until needed in the engine grill. I'm in the process of figuring out how to add two running lights in the grill as well. Just tell me where to ship it, and I'll get the process started ;-)
One of the best things I added to my Miata was a brake light pulser for the center rear brake light. It flashes two or three times when I hit the brakes. http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=78044
I'm going to also install one on my IM.
I'm going to also install one on my IM.
Lane,
Third brake light?
You bet.......but never one around the license plate.
Very tacky IMHO.......trade is off buddy.....;-)
OBTW.......Henry just got the final numbers back from the alignment shop. 2,300 lbs with 3/4 tank of fuel. He thinks it is the lightest IM-6 built yet.
2,300 lbs. / 235hp = 9.79 lbs per HP.
Houston we have liftoff..........!
Third brake light?
You bet.......but never one around the license plate.
Very tacky IMHO.......trade is off buddy.....;-)
OBTW.......Henry just got the final numbers back from the alignment shop. 2,300 lbs with 3/4 tank of fuel. He thinks it is the lightest IM-6 built yet.
2,300 lbs. / 235hp = 9.79 lbs per HP.
Houston we have liftoff..........!
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I'll be interested to see what mine weighs. I'm hoping for 1700/1800 pounds, but may be too low.
I think you would be better off with one of those boxing gloves attached to a large spring....Rather than that 3rd light....
Besides with that kind of H.P. I'd be more worried about what's in front of me..
Besides with that kind of H.P. I'd be more worried about what's in front of me..
Ron, a couple of years ago Danny Piperato brought his scales to Carlisle and we all got our cars weighed. Mine was the lightest Speedster at 1700# even, with Paul Rich's TR second at around 1705#. I think the SASs were all around 2500 with the IMs close to what Dave said for his (2200-ish). Is yours pan-based? Most of those were in the 1800-2000# range IIRC.
Dave - I think it's kinda cute. You can barely see the license plate surround in the attached photo. There is a row of LEDs along the top of the chrome surround. That, along with the light in the grill provide the folks behind me with a pretty clear indication that I'm slowing. Harrumph!!! Poor taste my arse! Just wait untill you can't find that car of your in a Sacramento fog and you'll wish you'd been nicer to me. Hey, I know! I'll through in the bridge you see in the picture as well!
Dave - I think it's kinda cute. You can barely see the license plate surround in the attached photo. There is a row of LEDs along the top of the chrome surround. That, along with the light in the grill provide the folks behind me with a pretty clear indication that I'm slowing. Harrumph!!! Poor taste my arse! Just wait untill you can't find that car of your in a Sacramento fog and you'll wish you'd been nicer to me. Hey, I know! I'll through in the bridge you see in the picture as well!
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Lane,
It is a steller offer......if I could charge a toll to cross the bridge it might work but if it's that foggy I'll just stay indoors for safety.
If you get out here with that fine looking ride I'll buy the beer.
All,
About the heavier build on the IM-6 they start with 5x3x.188 wall tube versus 5x3x.120 wall on an IM-4 so just to start the frame weighs one third more. The IM-6 also has a full permiter frame to support the rear engine mount and the front suspension points. Add in a heavier engine and transmission and suspension overall. As an example the 1980 Targa I started with weighs 3,600+ pounds. I added 50HP over stock and lost 1,300 lbs so I'm VERY happy.
It is a steller offer......if I could charge a toll to cross the bridge it might work but if it's that foggy I'll just stay indoors for safety.
If you get out here with that fine looking ride I'll buy the beer.
All,
About the heavier build on the IM-6 they start with 5x3x.188 wall tube versus 5x3x.120 wall on an IM-4 so just to start the frame weighs one third more. The IM-6 also has a full permiter frame to support the rear engine mount and the front suspension points. Add in a heavier engine and transmission and suspension overall. As an example the 1980 Targa I started with weighs 3,600+ pounds. I added 50HP over stock and lost 1,300 lbs so I'm VERY happy.
Mine is a pan car.
Dave, the car looks classy and I am sure it will be a thrill to drive. I hope to see you and the car in Monterey for the Historics.
Will,
It would be fun but after being on vacation most of July the historics might be pushing it a bit. but you never know.......
It would be fun but after being on vacation most of July the historics might be pushing it a bit. but you never know.......
All,
It has been just over nine months for this build to be finished. For all intents and purposes the car is completed but are any of them ever "finished"? Quality takes time and there were a couple of bumps along the way but I would NOT change one thing. Henry is great to work with and is a top notch professional to deal with.
Henry truly built my dream........he could see it right down to the correct call on the shifter boot.
Thank you Henry!
It has been just over nine months for this build to be finished. For all intents and purposes the car is completed but are any of them ever "finished"? Quality takes time and there were a couple of bumps along the way but I would NOT change one thing. Henry is great to work with and is a top notch professional to deal with.
Henry truly built my dream........he could see it right down to the correct call on the shifter boot.
Thank you Henry!
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More.....
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More.......
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More......
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and finally.
Thank you one and all for the kind words and interest in my dream.
Thank you one and all for the kind words and interest in my dream.
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Dave, Welcome to the "IM-6" owners club, Where our motto is "Too much is NEVER enough"!!!! Car came out of Henry's shop as beautiful as expected. I like the gear shift, very period correct. Very nice touches all around. Use it well and often. I drove mine to work today, just to take advantage of the 90-95 degree, cloudless skies that dont present themselves as often as I'd like in NJ. Its the closest thing to motorcycle fun as your likely to get with four wheels. A custom made to order "HOT ROD". I had someone follow me and stopped for 30 minutres just to ask about my ride. Henry might gain another customer soon. Enjoy it!!!!!!!
Dave, I really like how it came out. Now go drive the wheels off it!
Like the wheels too, I am a fan of NO hubcaps.
Lane, I think the SAS cars were a little less than that, around 2350 or so, but definitely way more than the aircooled Beck or the pan-based cars. Rob's turbo has a good sized weight penalty, with all the extra exhaust and intercooler plumbing.
Like the wheels too, I am a fan of NO hubcaps.
Lane, I think the SAS cars were a little less than that, around 2350 or so, but definitely way more than the aircooled Beck or the pan-based cars. Rob's turbo has a good sized weight penalty, with all the extra exhaust and intercooler plumbing.
Dave, that car is beautiful.
If it drives like Howard's does, you're in for a treat every single day. At Carlisle, I was struck by how boringly reliable Howard's La Bomba was, and had to keep reminding myself that every option on that car had to be engineered into a Speedster's shape.
The details really do conceal the genius. Wow.
If it drives like Howard's does, you're in for a treat every single day. At Carlisle, I was struck by how boringly reliable Howard's La Bomba was, and had to keep reminding myself that every option on that car had to be engineered into a Speedster's shape.
The details really do conceal the genius. Wow.
Dave, it has been fun watching your car come together. Now comes the real fun of driving your dream. Here is to many fine runs in your IM-6!
Here's wishing you clear skies and miles of open roads to enjoy that beauty!
Thanks again for all the nice comments.
Howard,
In September 2003 I saw the first Excellence articlw with a IM-6. That car has alwys been in the back of my mind. To see one is to love one. To own one is well....IMHO priceless.
If that guy needs a good core for an IM-6 build I have a perfect canidate. Wrecked 78 Targa, 95K original miles, with a rebuilt 3.0 and I have the reciepts to prove it.
Daniel,
I love the look of the wheels more each day. I have some custom center caps and black lugs to finish the look but they might not find their way on the car.
Will,
I'm 100% sure I will not be able to attend the Monterey Historics this year. Maybe sometime before next year at Pismo Beach we will hook up......;-)
Cory,
Looking forward to drinks the 22nd. I have your cell number (I assume) saved just in case something happens.
If all goes according to plan delivery date is July 9th!
Howard,
In September 2003 I saw the first Excellence articlw with a IM-6. That car has alwys been in the back of my mind. To see one is to love one. To own one is well....IMHO priceless.
If that guy needs a good core for an IM-6 build I have a perfect canidate. Wrecked 78 Targa, 95K original miles, with a rebuilt 3.0 and I have the reciepts to prove it.
Daniel,
I love the look of the wheels more each day. I have some custom center caps and black lugs to finish the look but they might not find their way on the car.
Will,
I'm 100% sure I will not be able to attend the Monterey Historics this year. Maybe sometime before next year at Pismo Beach we will hook up......;-)
Cory,
Looking forward to drinks the 22nd. I have your cell number (I assume) saved just in case something happens.
If all goes according to plan delivery date is July 9th!
Cool. Stuff that three-liter into a carry-on, will you?
July, 10th 2010
Thanks to everyone for all the kind comments on this thread. Cory, I wish I could drive the car back to DC just to give you a ride. To say I'm happy would be the understatement of the century.
Yesterday my wife let me "go play" by yourself with Henry. I got to the shop at 9 AM. I took the sky train from the Marriott to the closest stop and walked about two blocks. The antisipation was so over the top that I thought I would never get there. Then out of the corner of my eye I looked to the left and from afar I could see my new car was out front being washed for the final time. When I got to the shop I walked around the car and took it all in, then Henry walked out of the office and greeted me.
The joy I felt yesterday has only been topped by very few things in my life. Seeing my future wife in a Blue Polka Dot dress walk into the store I was working at looking for a job, my marraige to Betsy nearly three years later on 7-8-78, the birth of my daughters, my daughter Erin's marraige and the birth of my grandaughter and grandson.
Henry built my dream.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Dave Mitchell
Proud IM-6 owner of "The Beast"
Thanks to everyone for all the kind comments on this thread. Cory, I wish I could drive the car back to DC just to give you a ride. To say I'm happy would be the understatement of the century.
Yesterday my wife let me "go play" by yourself with Henry. I got to the shop at 9 AM. I took the sky train from the Marriott to the closest stop and walked about two blocks. The antisipation was so over the top that I thought I would never get there. Then out of the corner of my eye I looked to the left and from afar I could see my new car was out front being washed for the final time. When I got to the shop I walked around the car and took it all in, then Henry walked out of the office and greeted me.
The joy I felt yesterday has only been topped by very few things in my life. Seeing my future wife in a Blue Polka Dot dress walk into the store I was working at looking for a job, my marraige to Betsy nearly three years later on 7-8-78, the birth of my daughters, my daughter Erin's marraige and the birth of my grandaughter and grandson.
Henry built my dream.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Dave Mitchell
Proud IM-6 owner of "The Beast"
Dave,
I am sooooo happy for you. That car is just incredible and it's been fun to watch the build here on SOC, I can't imagine what it'd be like to actually take delivery! Enjoy yourself, it's one of the best looking cars I've seen here.
"The Beast", I like that, and a very fitting name :)
I am sooooo happy for you. That car is just incredible and it's been fun to watch the build here on SOC, I can't imagine what it'd be like to actually take delivery! Enjoy yourself, it's one of the best looking cars I've seen here.
"The Beast", I like that, and a very fitting name :)
Dave, I understand what you're feeling. I'm not quite at the 'excitement' stage yet, but once Henry emails me some 'after the paint shop' photos, I'm sure the excitement meter will start to move towards HIGH.
I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, but I bet you'd be easy to spot among Vancouver's million plus population. You'd be the guy with the million dollar grin on his face.
Enjoy
Ron
I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, but I bet you'd be easy to spot among Vancouver's million plus population. You'd be the guy with the million dollar grin on his face.
Enjoy
Ron
Ron,
Come by the BBQ Sunday the 18th if you have the time.
I'll be there for sure. Over 450 miles already......sweet!
Come by the BBQ Sunday the 18th if you have the time.
I'll be there for sure. Over 450 miles already......sweet!
Dave, I enjoyed your thread from beginning to beginning again. Its all of what you say and more. The anticipation of ownership is surpassed by driving it. Its custom, its you, your choices, down to the floor mats, drivetrain, colors will not be duplicated again. It will take time to "shake it down", there will be some issues along the way, which Henry is dedicated to making right. "La Bomba" was at the Jersey shore this weekend, kids are in "sleep away" camp and Madeline and I took the weekend to get away. Nothing like having heads turn when you drive by. All the thumbs up, questions about the car, add up to a unique experience. Bottom line is driving it, shift, torque, handling, a rebodied 911, at 700lbs less than the one Stuttgart built, looking like something from the 50's, with all modern mechanicals. Easy to maintain. Good luck with "The Beast"